How to Make Chemical-Free Fabric Softener
- 1). Add 1/2 to 1/3 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the washing machine before starting the wash cycle. The baking soda reduces static while also whitening and deodorizing your clothes.
- 2). Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil---of any scent you desire---to 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar, and stir.
- 3). Pour the vinegar and essential oil mixture into your washing machine during the rinse cycle, or add it to the fabric softener compartment of the machine. The vinegar will soften fabrics and only leave the scent of oil. However, if you do not use essential oils, the scent of vinegar will not cling to clothes.
- 4). Dry your clothes as usual. If you line dry your clothes, tumble them through the dryer for 5 minutes before hanging them. Otherwise, the excess water may stiffen sunned clothing.
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